[Update] Mario Kart 8 DLC, Including Link And 16 New Tracks, Confirmed For North America

Update: Originally only confirmed for the UK, the large collection of Mario Kart 8 DLC, unsurprisingly, will be making its way to North America.

The two DLC packs, which will each add three new characters, eight new tracks, and four new cars, will be available in the fall and in spring of 2015 for $7.99 each, or $11.99 for both. Among the new content, Wario’s Gold Mine course from Mario Kart Wii will be included, as well as new courses taking place in the worlds of The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing. F-Zero’s Blue Falcon kart will also be among the new cars in the first DLC pack. Here's the full list of included content below:

As a bonus for purchasing both packs bundled or individually, buyers receive eight new colors for Yoshi and Shy Guy. Those who advance purchase both packs can begin using the Yoshi and Shy Guy characters immediately.

In the meantime, starting tomorrow, a free update will release for Mario Kart 8 that will add new Mercedes Benz cars and some other tweaks. You can learn more about that here. You will also be able to pre-purchase next year's DLC starting tomorrow as well.

Original story:

The Mushroom Kingdom appears to be getting set for a visitor from Hyrule. According to a posting on the Nintendo UK Store, Link will be joining the cast of Mario Kart 8.

According to the listing for add-on content, two packs are set for release. The first will be delivered in November and will include Link, Tanooki Mario, and Cat Peach. It also includes four new vehicles (Including the Blue Falcon from F-Zero) and eight new courses.

The second pack, slated for May 2015, reportedly includes Dry Bowser and two guest from Animal Crossing: Villager and Isabelle. It, too, includes another four vehicles and eight courses.

Those that purchase both packs individually or as a bundle will get eight different colored Yoshis and eight different colored Shy Guys. The packs cost £7 ($11) each. We’ve reached out to Nintendo of America for confirmation and pricing. For more, check out our review of Mario Kart 8.